ITINERARY

D1: UK – BEIJING

D2: ARRIVAL BEIJING

Arrival in Beijing, transfer to hotel by English speaking guide. Our guide will meet you at international arrival exit, and guide will be holding a sign with your name on it. Then transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.

D3: BEIJING (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history.
This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years.
In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics.
Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck.
Overnight in Beijing.

D4: BEIJING (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch.
Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 km. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth – the god’s world and the human world – and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side.
Dinner free at leisure.
Overnight in Beijing.

D5: BEIJING - XI’AN (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class. Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties.
Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Xi'an.

D6: XI’AN (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues.
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colourful lanterns, and spice-scented shops.
Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi’an.
Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Xi'an.

D7: XI’AN - CHongqing (B/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the high-speed train to Chongqing second class.
Arrival in Chongqing, a vibrand metropolis at the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, famous for its dramatic hilly landscapes, spicy cuisine and as the departure point of Yangtze River Cruise.
Evening Drone Light Show
An impressive night-time spectacle where hundreds of synchronized drones light up the sky over Chongqing, forming dazzling 3D patterns, animations, and messages. Set against the backdrop of the city’s illuminated skyline and rivers, this high-tech performance blends art, technology, and storytelling, offering a unique way to experience the vibrant spirit of Chongqing.

* Remarks:

The show is regularly held every Saturday, starting at approx..21:00 and lasting about 20 minutes, in case of cancellation due to force majeure, no refund will be provided.

Overnight in Chongqing.

D8: CHONGQING – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B/L/-)

Breakfast at hotel.
Visit of Chongqing’s bustling city centre and the charming ancient town of Ciqikou, renowned for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional teahouses and artisan shops. Continue for visiting the Liziba rail line as it’s a unique engineering marvel where the train passes directly through a residential building.
Continue with a visit to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.
In the afternoon, transfer to pier for embarkation on the Yangtze River Cruise.
16:30-20:00 Board the cruise in Chongqing
18:30-20:00 Embarkation buffet dinner
Free flow house wine, local beer, soft drinks are included.
20:00-20:45 Safety Welcome Briefing
21:00 – 21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception (Smart Casual is required)
Today, you will visit our tour highlight, Giant Panda Research Base.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight on board.

D9: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B/L/D)

Morning coffee ,tea and pastries
Tai Chi morning exercise
Breakfast
10:00 Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge
Lunch Buffet
13:00 Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge
14:30 – 16:30 Shore Excursion – Shennv Stream
Dinner Buffet
20:30 – 21:30 Crew Cabaret / Talent Show.
Overnight onboard.

D10: YICHANG - SHANGHAI (B/-/-)

Breakfast on board.
08:00 – 11:00 Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join the Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam project site (River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum)
12:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang
Option:
07:45 Disembark at Maoping pier, change a smaller boat to join the optional tour of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (CNY290 pp/tour, sign up & pay on board)
10:00 Disembark at Sandouping pier of Yichang, join the tour to the Three Gorges Dam ( River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum)
13:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang

* Remarks:

All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions. All shore excursions departure times and duration are approximate and may subject to change if considered unsafe to operate.

Take the high-speed train to Shanghai, in second class
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel to check-in
Overnight in Shanghai

D11: SHANGHAI (B/-/-)

Full day free at leisure .
Overnight in Shanghai.

D12: SHANGHAI (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams.
Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time.
Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar.
Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade.
Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure.
Overnight in Shanghai.

D13: DEPARTURE SHANGHAI (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. All good things must come to an end and today sees our 13-day adventure draw to a close.
Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.

- END OF PROGRAMME -

Departure Dates 2026
March 29
April 5,19
May 10,17
June 21
July 5
August 9
September 6,20
October 18
November 22
December 20

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• International Flights UK to Beijing, Shanghai to UK.
• Hotel accommodation as per selection with daily breakfast based on 2 pax sharing a twin or double room
• Lunches and dinners as described in the program (Meal Symbols: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• All transfers & transportation for sightseeing by A/C vehicle
• Train tickets
• All tours & entrance fees indicated in the program
• Service of an English-speaking guide in each city

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Porterage at the airports and at hotels (in and out)
• Visa fee for China
• Excess luggage surcharge
• Tips for services of local guides and drivers
• Optional tours
• Any personal expenses
• Tips for services of local guides and drivers (We suggest USD10/pax/travel day for the guide and USD5/pax/travel day for the driver for the group of or below 9 pax.
USD5/pax/travel day for the guide and USD 2.5/pax/travel day for the driver for the group of 10 or above 10 pax.)

Note: Compulsory USD25 per person gratuity for Cruising (NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE)